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Dietary supplement

Forskolin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Fresh Nutrition

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Forskolin is a dietary supplement by Fresh Nutrition with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for weight management, asthma and breathing, high blood pressure.Based on those ingredients, 915 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Coleus forskohlii extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Forskolin by Fresh Nutrition

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Fresh Nutrition Forskolin is a single-ingredient supplement: coleus forskohlii extract, delivered in a vegetarian capsule. Coleus is a plant whose root contains a compound called forskolin, which has been studied for effects on heart function, inflammation, and eye health — though evidence for any of those uses is not yet established.

The capsule itself is the only other ingredient.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Coleus's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: weight management and metabolism support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, weight loss, metabolic rate, fat reduction.
  • The closest evidence on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for coleus forskohlii and its forskolin content isn't yet established in the data we hold. Our monograph lists six conditions it's been studied for — angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and dry eye — and all of them carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence to rate.

In other words, we don't have enough solid research to confirm whether this product works for any of these purposes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Coleus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Coleus is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, though it can cause gastrointestinal side effects: a small number of trial participants reported diarrhea, nausea, constipation, or vomiting, with diarrhea being the most common. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as there isn't enough research to know it's safe in those situations.

Because coleus may lower blood pressure and hasn't been well studied for long-term use, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — particularly if you have heart disease, take heart medications, or have blood pressure concerns.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Coleus

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Coleus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 916 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Forskolin, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take heart medications — especially nitrates (like nitroglycerin) or calcium channel blockers (like diltiazem or amlodipine) — because coleus may dangerously increase their effects. Also double-check if you're on any blood pressure medication, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (such as warfarin or aspirin), or any medication your liver metabolizes; coleus may affect how these work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Forskolin is a single-ingredient supplement worth a closer look if you're interested in coleus forskohlii research — but only after you've checked it against any medications you take. Its interactions with heart drugs, blood pressure medications, and blood thinners are serious enough that you'll want your own doctor or pharmacist to review your full medication list before you start.

The effectiveness evidence isn't yet established, so go in with realistic expectations about what it may or may not do.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 22, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Forskolin, straight from the product label.

Brand Fresh Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 851039008396
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2021
DSLD ID 246762
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Forskolin by Fresh Nutrition, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
851039008396
IngredientAmount% DV
Coleus forskohlii extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsules

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Quality

Our goal is to create high-quality natural products using both organic and responsibly sourced ingredients to optimize health and well-being.

Formulation

Vegan

Non GMO Gluten free Soy free

No artificial colors. No artificial flavors. No preservatives. Gluten-free. Vegan. Made with non-GMO, all natural ingredients!

Quality verified Third party tested for quality and purity To provide our consumers with complete confidence in our product quality, every batch is 3rd party tested for quality & purity.

Weight control May reduce fat production May help control appetite May help prevent weight gain May boost metabolism

Fresh Nutrition produces the most potent and highest quality Forskolin. Our raw materials are carefully sourced and cultivated; contain no fillers, additives, and manufactured domestically in a cGMP facility. Thanks for choosing Fresh!

Formula

Forskolin Endorsed by some doctors as the miracle flower to fight fat, Forskolin may inhibit fat production and prevent weight gain without a change in diet. Derived from the roots of the coleus plant, forskolin is famous for its metabolism boosting properties. Enjoy this powerful, pure and natural formal.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended dosage Take three (3) capsules daily with sufficient water before a meal.

Seals/Symbols

DNA verified ingredients

Made in USA

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Forskolin by Fresh Nutrition label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Forskolin by Fresh Nutrition

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Coleus forskohlii extract

Interacts with
915 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Forskolin

Coleus is a plant from the mint family whose root contains a compound called forskolin, often marketed for weight loss, asthma, and heart health. Whil...

Coleus forskohlii extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian Capsules. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Forskolin by Fresh Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Forskolin?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
915Drugs
29 Major 886 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Forskolin with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Coleus forskohlii extract7 drug types · 915 drugs

Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, combining coleus with calcium channel blockers might increase the coronary vasodilatory effects.
Forskolin, a constituent of coleus, and calcium channel blockers both cause coronary vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Nitrates

Theoretically, combining coleus with nitrates might increase the coronary vasodilatory effects.
Forskolin, a constituent of coleus, and nitrates both cause coronary vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of coleus and anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro and animal research shows that forskolin, a constituent of coleus, can inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining coleus with antihypertensive drugs might cause additive blood pressure lowering effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that forskolin, a constituent of coleus, may lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, taking coleus may affect drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 and increase the risk of adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness.
Research on the effect of coleus on CYP2C9 is conflicting. Some animal research shows that coleus extract can induce CYP2C9, while in vitro research shows that coleus can inhibit CYP2C9. Until more is known, advise patients that taking coleus might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, taking coleus might decrease serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that coleus can activate the nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), which results in increased expression of CYP3A4. Although the clinical significance of this is not known, use caution when considering concomitant use of coleus and other drugs affected by these enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, taking coleus may affect the metabolism of warfarin and increase the risk of adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness.
Some animal research shows that coleus extract can induce cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), an enzyme that metabolizes warfarin. However, other in vitro research shows that coleus can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking coleus with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might affect drug levels and the risk of adverse effects. Until more is known, advise patients that taking coleus might increase or decrease levels of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Forskolin, from the product label.

Fresh Nutrition

See all Fresh Nutrition products
Name
Fresh Nutrition
Street Address
1601 Dove St
City
Newport Beach
State
California
ZipCode
92660
Web Address
www.fresh-nutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Forskolin by Fresh Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Forskolin by Fresh Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Forskolin has a known interaction with 915 medications, including 29 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Forskolin contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is coleus forskohlii extract, and what's it supposed to do?
Coleus is a plant root that contains a compound called forskolin, which has been studied for effects on heart function, inflammation, and eye health. The evidence for whether it actually works for any of these purposes isn't yet established in the data we hold.
Is Forskolin safe to take long-term?
The safety data notes that coleus hasn't been well studied for long-term use, so it's best discussed with your doctor or pharmacist before you start and as you continue. Gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea are possible.
Can I take Forskolin if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, because there isn't enough research to know it's safe. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your situation.
What are the most common side effects?
When taken by mouth, coleus can cause diarrhea, nausea, constipation, or vomiting — with diarrhea being the most frequently reported. These tend to be mild and dose-related.
Does Forskolin interact with heart medications?
Yes — it has serious Major-level interactions with nitrates and calcium channel blockers, because coleus can intensify their blood vessel–relaxing effects. It also may lower blood pressure further with other blood pressure drugs. Check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Can Forskolin affect my blood thinners like warfarin?
Yes. Coleus may change how your liver metabolizes warfarin and increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. This requires checking with your pharmacist or doctor before you take it.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Forskolin is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Forskolin label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Forskolin's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Coleus 16 references
  1. Baumann G, Felix S, Sattelberger U, Klein G. Cardiovascular effects of forskolin (HL-362) in patients with idiopathic congestiv cardiomyopathy. A comparative study with dobutamine and sodium nitroprusside. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1990;16:93-100.
  2. Kramer W, Thormann J, Kindler M, Schlepper M. Effects of forskolin on left ventricular function in dilated cardiomyopathy. Arzneimittelforschung 1987;37:364-7.
  3. Bauer K, Dietersdorfer F, Kaspar S, et al. Pharmacodynamic effects of inhaled dry powder formulations of fenoterol and colforsin in asthma. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1993;53:76-83. PubMed
  4. Christenson JT, Thulesius O, Nazzal MM. The effect of forskolin on blood flow, platelet metabolism, aggregation and ATP release. Vasa 1995;24:56-61.
  5. Agarwal KC, Zielinski BA, Maitra RS. Significance of plasma adenosine in the antiplatelet activity of forskolin: potentiation by dipyridamole and dilazep. Thromb Haemost 1989;61:106-10. DOI
  6. Agarwal KC, Parks RE. Forskolin: a potential antimetastatic agent. Int J Cancer 1983;32:801-4. PubMed
  7. Almeida, F. C. and Lemonica, I. P. The toxic effects of Coleus barbatus B. on the different periods of pregnancy in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2000;73(1-2):53-60. PubMed
  8. Ding, X. and Staudinger, J. L. Induction of drug metabolism by forskolin: the role of the pregnane X receptor and the protein kinase a signal transduction pathway. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2005;312(2):849-856. PubMed
  9. Staudinger, J. L., Ding, X., and Lichti, K. Pregnane X receptor and natural products: beyond drug-drug interactions. Expert.Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2006;2(6):847-857. PubMed
  10. van Hecke, E., Hindryckx, P., Geuns, J. M., and Devriese, E. Airborne contact dermatitis from coleus in a housewife. Contact Dermatitis 1991;25(2):128-129. PubMed
  11. Schlepper, M., Thormann, J., and Mitrovic, V. Cardiovascular effects of forskolin and phosphodiesterase-III inhibitors. Basic Res Cardiol 1989;84 Suppl 1:197-212. PubMed
  12. Dooms-Goossens, A., Borghijs, A., Degreef, H., Devriese, E. G., and Geuns, J. M. Airborne contact dermatitis to Coleus. Contact Dermatitis 1987;17(2):109-110. PubMed
  13. Lindner, E., Dohadwalla, A. N., and Bhattacharya, B. K. Positive inotropic and blood pressure lowering activity of a diterpene derivative isolated from Coleus forskohli: Forskolin. Arzneimittelforschung 1978;28(2):284-289.
  14. Loftus HL, Astell KJ, Mathai ML, et al. Coleus forskohlii Extract Supplementation in Conjunction with a Hypocaloric Diet Reduces the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2015;7(11): PubMed
  15. Yokotani K, Chiba T, Sato Y, et al. Hepatic cytochrome P450 mediates interaction between warfarin and Coleus forskohlii extract in vivo and in vitro. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2012;64(12):1793-801.
  16. Nishijima C, Chiba T, Sato Y, Umegaki K. Nationwide Online Survey Enables the Reevaluation of the Safety of Coleus forskohlii Extract Intake Based on the Adverse Event Frequencies. Nutrients. 2019;11(4). pii: E866. PubMed

See these in context on the Coleus monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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